About
I’ve been studying voice for 23 years and playing guitar for 16 years. I’ve also been performing professionally in DFW since 2013. I, first, studied vocal performance at Berklee College of Music and later graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. I began teaching in 2011 and haven’t looked back since!
In order to provide long term protection for students’ voices, I firmly believe that students should be taught proper technique. As a classically-trained singer who now makes a living singing commercial styles of music, I believe that I have the unique ability to teach students how to create a commercial sound while utilizing correct vocal techniques. This allows me to build students’ lessons around the music that they enjoy and the music that often keeps them motivated! While I specialize in teaching commercial vocal styles (Pop, R&B, Rock, Country, Contemporary Christian, Musical Theater etc.), I also have extensive experience both in singing and teaching classical/choral music as well.
I love having the opportunity to really get to know my students. I’m incredibly invested as a teacher and I love helping my students make strides toward their individual goals while providing the knowledge, skills, and space for them to develop their own artistry. It’s never my intention to turn my students into “mini-me” versions of myself. I want each of my students to explore and learn their instrument and develop into the singer they were meant to become. I enjoy leading my students out of their comfort zones and supporting them as they flourish in ways they never thought possible.
Have you ever realized that you are the only person who hears your voice as you hear it? You’re the only one listening to your voice from inside your own head... everyone else hears your voice as I hear it! It’s kind of mind boggling to think about, isn’t it? As a vocalist, I think it’s important to find someone on the “outside” who you can trust who can give you insight as to what the rest of the world is hearing. I love being that person for my students.
To me, the voice is one of the most amazing instruments. Many people use their voice everyday and yet most are unaware of its potential. The voice is unlike any other instrument because it’s housed in our body. We can’t touch it, see it, or really interact with it in the way you can other instruments. This can make my job challenging because I can’t point to a guitar string or a piano key and say “You’re so close! Let me show you... here! You see?” I have to use my own voice and my words to help the student make a brain-to-body connection that carries meaning for them. I always tell my students, “This isn’t always easy, and that’s ok! But it isn’t your job as my student to understand everything I say... it’s MY job as your teacher to explain things in a way that make sense to you. If I’m explaining something and it doesn’t make sense, let me know so I can do better at my job”.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always begin by talking to my students about what their specific goals are. Together, we create a plan to help them accomplish those goals. On a practical level, I always begin by teaching my voice students about posture and breathing. These are two things that help to make up the “foundation” of your singing voice. Posture and breathing are consistent no matter what genre or song the student chooses to sing, so I find it’s a great starting point! Plus, if a student’s posture and/or breathing is off, it can cause any number of other issues to arise so it helps later in lessons when trying to diagnose problems to know that posture and breathing are not as likely the cause.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been studying voice for over 20 years and have a college degree in music with a principle focus in voice.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute lesson - $35
45 minute lesson - $50
60 minute lesson - $65
How did you get started teaching?
I began by teaching guitar in 2011 for a program run by the University of Alabama while I was in school there. At the time, they needed a female guitar instructor and sought me out for the job. Once I started teaching guitar (my secondary instrument), I very quickly began teaching voice (my primary instrument) as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be picky! There are enough teachers in the area that you can afford to hold out until you really find someone who clicks with the student. The chemistry and trust needs to be there for the student to feel comfortable and be receptive of the lessons. Also, find someone who really knows their stuff! All too often I’ve found myself re-teaching students who have been taught improper techniques and habits by others that are causing more hard than good. We only have one voice! You can’t go out and buy a new one if yours becomes injured. Find a teacher who knows their stuff and who is invested in the student!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what your goals are... and what song you’d want to sing in your first lesson!